Author: jezzabellemente

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) — Global eye care leader Alcon is set to make a major impact at the 37th Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS) Annual Meeting, taking place Aug 21 to 23, in Ahmedabad, India.

The company will showcase four symposia, lead 10 medical affairs scientific exchange presentations, and offer a hands-on experience zone, spotlighting its latest surgical innovations backed by real-world evidence.

Alcon Asia Pacific Vice President, Surgical, Massimo Cerrone said surgeons at APACRS gain firsthand insights into how Alcon’s innovations meet the evolving demands of cataract care in the ageing population.

Through a dynamic agenda, surgeons can explore Alcon’s latest innovations and their value through clinical evidence, real-world insights, and peer experience across Asia-Pacific,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Alcon India Country Head, Amar Vyas expressed pride in India hosting APACRS once again, using the platform to highlight advanced technologies designed to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Clinical highlights include new data on Alcon’s Vivity intraocular lens (IOL)—a next-generation Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens—showing high patient satisfaction in those with mild irregular astigmatism.

On the equipment front, Indian ophthalmologist Dr Shail Vasavada will present findings on retinal perfusion and intraocular pressure during cataract surgery in diabetic eyes.

Alcon will also officially launch its UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and UNITY Cataract System (CS) surgical platform in India, demonstrating advanced phaco and vitreoretinal capabilities.

Symposia topics range from IOL innovation to digital image guidance and surgical video demonstrations. Full details and registration are available via Alcon’s event platform.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) — The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has launched its Antibiotic Allergy Awareness Campaign during its 2025 Congress in Glasgow, marking the start of a global initiative to address mislabelling and its link to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In a statement, the association said inaccurate antibiotic allergy labels affect millions of patients worldwide, leading to avoidance of first-line treatments and increased reliance on second-line antibiotics, a practice that fuels AMR.

EAACI is calling on stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers and educators, to promote accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use.

“We are launching a movement, not a moment. Too many lives are impacted by unverified allergy labels that limit treatment options and worsen outcomes. Correcting labels means saving lives, now and in the future,” said EAACI president, Prof Maria Torres.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of incorrect allergy labels, empower patients and healthcare professionals with tools and training, promote evidence-based evaluation protocols and encourage rational antibiotic prescribing.

Outdated, unverified or self-reported allergy labels often reduce treatment options and increase risks, EAACI noted. The campaign seeks to overcome these barriers through education, training and advocacy.

A short educational video and a Promotional Kit 2025 form the backbone of the initiative, offering resources to spread awareness across multiple platforms.

Launched under the slogan “Correct Labels, Better Lives”, the campaign invites professionals, institutions and the public to participate in global efforts to safeguard the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) have partnered to provide eyeglasses to low vision patients at the SNEC Low Vision Clinic, aligning with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, which mark the nation’s 60th year of independence and progress.

Under the collaboration, eligible SNEC patients can collect their prescribed eyewear from the Spectacle Hut store at SingHealth Campus, streamlining the process from prescription to pick-up.

According to a statement, the initiative integrates dispensing support into the vision care pathway to address gaps in delivering specialised eyewear to those in need.

OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Head for Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, Patricia Koh said this initiative represents a new kind of coordination between clinical care and retail expertise.

“As Singapore celebrates 60 years of progress, we are proud to support solutions that put patients at the centre of our efforts,” she said.

Meanwhile, SNEC Head of Allied Health, Lisa Ong said the collaboration offers greater convenience for low vision patients who may face mobility challenges.

“It is a welcome opportunity for us to enhance our patients’ experience and improve their quality of life by helping them increase reading and near task performance,” said Ong.

The foundation has contributed 600 pairs of eyeglasses, comprising 400 pairs of high-plus reading glasses and 200 pairs of ophthalmic frames for prescription lenses, to increase availability and provide patients with a wider choice.

High-plus reading glasses offer enhanced magnification, enabling patients to perform near tasks such as reading more comfortably and independently.

The initiative aligns with Singapore’s SG60 theme, “Building Our Singapore Together”, and reflects the nation’s leadership in eye care innovation amid rising demand for rehabilitation services.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) — Voxela Inc has announced the official launch of its next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) eldercare solution, “Voxela VCare Pro”, which aims to ease operational burdens for caregivers while elevating safety and quality of life for elderly residents in care facilities.

VCare Pro leverages AI to automate critical tasks such as incident detection, reporting, and monitoring, enabling caregivers to focus more on personalised resident care, according to the company in a statement.

Among its key features is an AI-powered automatic incident reporting system. When incidents such as falls are detected, VCare Pro promptly analyses the situation and generates detailed and accurate reports, minimising the time and effort typically required for manual documentation.

The system also includes the Incident Analytics Dashboard that provides visual data on incident trends and patterns, helping facilities implement preventive measures and reduce recurrence.

A virtual check-in function allows real-time remote wellness monitoring, enabling staff to carry out targeted interventions without the need for frequent room visits—a feature designed to lower stress levels among caregivers.

By reducing indirect care duties and streamlining documentation processes, VCare Pro enables staff to devote more attention to high-priority caregiving responsibilities.

In addition, the system boosts overall operational efficiency by cutting down on physical inspections and on-site verifications, contributing to safer and more responsive care environments.

The solution has already been adopted by a growing number of eldercare facilities and has received strong positive feedback for its practical benefits and measurable impact on service quality.

VCare Pro is part of Voxela’s broader vision to “Make Aging Beautiful” by introducing advanced technologies that address real-world challenges in the eldercare sector.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to continuous innovation aimed at transforming the caregiving industry and supporting the evolving needs of ageing populations.

— BERNAMA